Can You Get Disability for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes joint inflammation and can result in joint damage, fatigue, pain, and systemic complications. Unlike osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis can affect multiple organ systems, and its progression is often rapid and disabling.
You can get disability for rheumatoid arthritis from the Social Security Administration if the disease interferes with your ability to work and you meet other eligibility requirements.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s tissues, primarily in joints. Common symptoms include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, fatigue, fever, and limited range of motion. A significant difference between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis is that people with Rheumatoid Arthritis have systemic symptoms, including lung, eye, and cardiovascular involvement.
You can get disability for arthritis, with different symptom requirements depending on the type. The SSA evaluates osteoarthritis as a musculoskeletal disorder and Rheumatoid Arthritis as an immune system disorder.
Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Considered a Disability by the SSA?
You can qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, with rheumatoid arthritis if it significantly limits your ability to work. The SSA requires severe impairments to be supported with objective medical evidence and to have lasted for at least 12 months, and not just a diagnosis. Disability claims for Rheumatoid Arthritis and other conditions require medical documentation and evidence of functional limitations.
Rheumatoid Arthritis, or RA, is listed under 14.09 Inflammatory Arthritis in the SSA’s Listings of Impairments, which outlines the criteria for qualifying conditions for disability benefits.
To Meet Listing 14.09, the Claimant Must Show:
SSA outlines four possible categories under 14.09. Meeting any one of these may qualify a person for benefits:
Listing 14.09A – Persistent inflammation or deformity in peripheral joints:
You must show persistent joint pain, stiffness, or swelling with one or more major joints in the arms or legs that:
- Causes gross anatomical deformity (e.g., subluxation, contractures, ankylosis, joint fusion),
- And results in an inability to perform fine and gross movements effectively OR an inability to ambulate effectively (e.g., can’t walk without assistance, can’t carry out daily tasks independently).
Listing 14.09B – Involvement of the spine with ankylosis or deformity. Applies when arthritis affects the spine, with:
- Fixation (ankylosis) of the spine at a medically disabling position,
- Or severe limitation of motion due to deformity or inflammation,
- Plus significant functional limitations, such as difficulty walking or using arms.
Listing 14.09C – Arthritis with systemic symptoms. Applies with severe systemic effects, such as:
- Fever, severe fatigue, malaise, or weight loss,
- Plus involvement of at least two organs or body systems,
- With at least one of those systems being affected moderately to severely,
- And persistent symptoms despite ongoing treatment.
Listing 14.09D – Repeated flare-ups with limitations. You can also qualify if you have:
- Repeated episodes of inflammatory arthritis symptoms,
- That limits your daily functioning, social functioning, or ability to complete tasks,
- Despite consistent medical treatment.
This is evaluated under the “paragraph B criteria” from SSA’s mental health listings (for functional limitations), reflecting the effect of pain, fatigue, or cognitive issues on functioning.
What If You Don’t Meet the Listing Exactly? (Equaling the Listing)
If your RA doesn’t satisfy every requirement of Listing 14.09, SSA may still approve your claim if your condition is medically equivalent in severity to another listing. This is known as “equaling a listing.” SSA considers:
- Combined effects of symptoms (pain, fatigue, stiffness, organ damage),
- Functional limitations over time,
- And your response to treatment.
Medical records from rheumatologists, lab results (e.g., elevated ESR or CRP), imaging (e.g., X-rays showing joint erosion), and functional capacity evaluations are especially important.
Key Evidence to Include:
- Diagnosis and treatment history from a rheumatologist
- Lab tests (e.g., rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP, ESR, CRP)
- Imaging showing joint damage or deformity
- Details of flare-ups, medication side effects, and physical limitations
- Statements about your daily functioning, mobility, and ability to use hands
- Opinions and assessments from treating providers
Common Challenges and Mistakes in RA Disability Claims
In 2022, the SSA denied 75 percent of initial disability claims. Winning approval at the initial level is particularly challenging because applicants must provide objective evidence that their conditions meet the strict SSDI eligibility criteria. Common mistakes that lead to SSDI delays and denials include the following:
- Failing to establish how much the condition affects daily functioning and the ability to work
- Failing to provide documentation of symptoms during flare-ups
- Not systematically tracking symptoms over time
- Missing documentation from rheumatologists or other specialists
- Incomplete descriptions of how fatigue, pain, or other symptoms interfere with work tasks
- Incomplete work records
- Not addressing or resolving inconsistencies in their medical or vocational records
How Disability Advice Can Help With Your RA Disability Claim
We connect individuals with experienced advocates who understand the unique challenges of applying for disability with a systemic, fluctuating illness such as Rheumatoid Arthritis. You will receive a free consultation to assess your case and assistance in building a comprehensive claim with lab work, symptom logs, and specialist notes that support your request for benefits. You pay no upfront fees.
The advocates we work with can assist with initial claims and disability appeals. Don’t risk losing the compensation you need. Contact us today.
FAQs About Rheumatoid Arthritis and Disability
Getting disability for Rheumatoid Arthritis is complex and can be frustrating. Therefore, it’s natural to have questions. We are always happy to help. For further information on potential compensation, use our SSDI Calculator.
Is It Hard To Get Disability for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
The SSA denies the vast majority of disability claims, so it is never easy to get disability for Rheumatoid Arthritis or other conditions. Before applying, verify that you have documentation proving that you meet or equal the Listing criteria for Rheumatoid Arthritis and other SSDI eligibility requirements, or that the RA is severely limiting your functional ability to work.
What Kind of Medical Evidence Do I Need?
When applying for SSDI, you need medical evidence such as treatment reports, diagnostic tests, and other medical records. This documentation must show not only a Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosis, but also that you suffer symptoms that meet the Listing eligibility criteria for the condition. The SSA also may require you to undergo a special consultative examination.
Can Fatigue Alone Qualify Me for SSDI With Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Fatigue as your only symptom does not qualify you for SSDI benefits for Rheumatoid Arthritis. To qualify for benefits, you must establish that you experience certain symptoms listed and meet the SSA’s other requirements, such as sufficient work credits.
Can I Still Apply if My Symptoms Come and Go?
You generally can only receive SSDI for Rheumatoid Arthritis if your symptoms cause persistent problems that prevent you from engaging in substantially gainful employment. However, you may still qualify for SSDI if the impact of your symptoms creates an inability to work. In this instance, a disability examiner and state agency medical consultant may provide for a limiting RFC and award benefits at step five as a medical-vocational allowance.
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“Professionalism at its best. From intake to getting my claim started, they are the ones you need. 100% recommend to everyone.”
Pablo P.
“Having never gone through this process before, it was very easy and straightforward. VERY professional and polite.”
Alan A.
“I had a great experience with my representative. She was very friendly and she made the process very easy. I’m glad I had the pleasure to work with her in filing my claim. She provided great customer service.”
Dana C.
“I was very nervous about reaching out for help with disability benefits. This experience was so much easier than what I thought it would be. They were understanding and supportive, and answered all of my questions. I would highly recommend them.”
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“The person I spoke with was very knowledgeable and very thorough with answering all of my questions and making sure all my information was correct. He was very patient, kind, and was very helpful. I wasn’t sure if I would qualify, and he checked and took all of my information. The process was made very easy, thank you so much for your help.”
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